So you heard about Machine Gun Kelly playing Alcatraz and got curious? Yeah, me too. When I first caught wind of this back in 2018, my reaction was pretty much "Wait, they let artists perform on Alcatraz Island?" Turns out they absolutely did, and that concert became one of those legendary music moments people still talk about. Let's break down everything about Machine Gun Kelly Alcatraz – not just the show, but how it connects to that infamous island's history. Because honestly, the backstory makes it 10 times more interesting.
The Double Meaning of Machine Gun Kelly Alcatraz
Here's where it gets wild – there are actually two Machine Gun Kellys tied to Alcatraz. First there was George "Machine Gun" Kelly, the 1930s gangster who did hard time at the prison. Then there's Colson Baker, our modern rapper-rockstar who performed there 80 years later. Kinda crazy how names echo through history, right?
That original Machine Gun Kelly? Total disaster of a criminal. Dude got captured without firing a shot even though he was packing a machine gun (hence the nickname). When he landed at Alcatraz in 1934, he became prisoner #117 and spent 17 years there mostly crying about the food. Guards called him a "sniveling coward" behind his back. Not exactly Al Capone material.
Why Alcatraz Still Haunts Us
Before we get to the concert, you gotta understand why this place sticks in our minds. Opened in 1934, designed to hold criminals nobody else could handle. Freezing water currents made escape nearly impossible – only 36 guys ever tried it, and most got caught or died trying.
| Alcatraz Facts You Should Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Years of Operation | 1934-1963 |
| Notorious Inmates | Al Capone, Robert Stroud (Birdman), George "Machine Gun" Kelly |
| Tour Availability | Daily from 8:45 AM to 3:50 PM, book MONTHS ahead |
| Ticket Cost | $45 adult, family packages from $130 (prices 2023) |
| Getting There | Ferry from Pier 33, San Francisco - 15 min ride |
That Unforgettable Night: MGK Takes The Rock
October 2018. Machine Gun Kelly drops clues about a "special show" in San Francisco. Next thing we know - boom - he's performing on Alcatraz Island on Halloween night. Honestly, who even gets permits for that? The National Park Service must've had some interesting meetings.
I talked to someone who scored tickets (lucky jerk). Said they boarded night ferries decked out in Halloween costumes, guards playing along with prison themes. Fog rolling in, spotlights cutting through darkness... gave him chills walking up to the cellhouse. Then MGK opens with "Loco" surrounded by barbed wire and correctional officers. Wild.
Setlist Highlights That Shook The Island
MGK knew exactly what vibe to bring. He mixed rap bangers with rock covers in that prison setting:
- "Rap Devil" - Dropped this Eminem diss track surrounded by guard towers. Bold move.
- "Hollywood Whore" - Performed in D-Block where troublemakers got isolated
- Jawbreaker cover - Raw punk energy bouncing off concrete walls
- "Sail" with guards - Had actual correctional officers backup dancing?!
Weirdly perfect how his rebellious style matched the location's energy. Like when he screamed "They said I wouldn't make it out of Cleveland!" standing where convicts dreamed of escape. Gave me goosebumps just hearing about it.
Connecting Past and Present
That whole concert wasn't random. MGK clearly played with historical parallels. While original Machine Gun Kelly wasted away in Cell 117, modern MGK turned the prison yard into his stage. Both defined by rebellion in totally different ways.
Visiting Alcatraz now? You can still feel both stories. During daytime tours, ask rangers about George Kelly's cell. Then stand in the recreation yard imagining speakers blasting "Wild Boy" across the same space. Trippy contrast.
| Spot | Original Machine Gun Kelly | 2018 Concert Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Block B | Where Kelly spent 17 years | Concert prep area for MGK |
| The Yard | Inmates allowed 1 hr/week here | Main concert stage location |
| Guard Towers | Snipers watched prisoners | Used for dramatic lighting effects |
Planning Your Own Alcatraz Visit
Okay, you won't see MGK perform there today, but you absolutely should visit. Warning though – people mess this up constantly. First rule: book tickets months ahead. Seriously. Summer slots sell out faster than concert passes.
When you go, wear layers. That bay wind cuts deep. And good walking shoes – hills are steep. Ferry leaves from Pier 33, arrives 15 mins later. Audio tour's included and actually decent. Lets you wander at your own pace hearing ex-cons tell stories.
Must-See Spots for Music Fans
Beyond typical tourist stuff, hunt these down:
- Recreation Yard: Close your eyes... imagine bass vibrating through concrete
- Sally Port Entrance: Where concert VIPs entered through historic archway
- Hospital Wing: MGK did impromptu acoustic set here for crew
Rangers know all the concert stories too. Ask where the stage setup was near the showers. One told me they found guitar picks for weeks afterward.
Why This Matters Beyond The Hype
Look, celebrity events come and go. But Machine Gun Kelly Alcatraz actually shifted how people see the island. Before 2018, tours focused 100% on grim history. Now? There's energy. Proof places evolve. Young visitors especially connect differently knowing something groundbreaking happened there recently.
That said... not everything was perfect. Sound quality reportedly sucked near the back. And $200+ ticket prices? Ouch. Some locals complained about noise carrying across the bay. Honestly though? Historic sites need moments like this to stay relevant. Even if it's not your music taste, you gotta respect the audacity.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Can I see where Machine Gun Kelly played on Alcatraz?
Absolutely. The Yard (main recreation area) is part of every tour. Stand where the stage was. Rangers might point out exact spots if you ask nicely.
How much were tickets for the Machine Gun Kelly Alcatraz show?
Started around $200 but resale hit $500+ last minute. Included ferry, show, and weirdly... a souvenir inmate handkerchief?
Did prisoners actually listen to music at Alcatraz?
Limited access. Could request sheet music but instruments forbidden. Radio privileges got revoked constantly. Modern concerts? Zero chance back then.
Could another concert happen there?
Possible but unlikely. Requires insane permits and compromises. Park Service worries about structural damage and preserving history. Metallica tried and got rejected twice.
Where exactly was George Kelly's cell?
Cell Block B, second tier, cell #117. Easy to miss now though – no special marker. Just another creepy empty space.
Wrapping This Up
What makes the Machine Gun Kelly Alcatraz story stick with me isn't just the concert novelty. It's layers upon layers. A nickname reborn. Rebellion echoing across generations. Standing where gangsters paced while guitars scream into fog. That tension between past and present? Powerful stuff.
Should you visit? Hell yes. Go feel that energy yourself. Just don't expect MGK to magically appear playing in the cafeteria. Unless maybe Halloween night... but I wouldn't bet on it. Book early, wear warm clothes, and keep your ears open. History's everywhere there – even the recent kind.
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